Our Team

David Shaftoe

Chief Officer

David joined Open Country in 1998 and oversees the day to day running of the charity. He has worked as a Countryside Ranger for Ipswich and Wakefield councils and as a Youth Development Worker for Bradford Environmental Education Service.

Ella Dixon

Wild About Wakefield Project Officer

Ella is based in Wakefield and runs our newest project there. Prior to joining us she worked mainly in people engagement and project management roles for the RSPB.

Nick Milsom

Countryside Activities Officer

Nick spent ten years at Bradford Environmental Education Service carrying out nature conservation and education projects. He runs the conservation work parties and the Wetherby Tandem Club.

Kate Leggett

Countryside Activities Officer

Kate has worked as a Countryside Ranger in Surrey and Kent, and as a Field Studies Tutor in Epping Forest. She runs the Wild about Wetherby groups and the Ripon Tandem Club.

Sharron Smith

Countryside Activities Officer

Sharron’s background is in equine management, animal care and horticulture. She runs the Walk on the Wild Side and Nature and Natterers groups.

Lizzie Hughes

Countryside Activities Officer

Lizzie has been volunteering with Open Country for over 10 years and now runs the York Tandem Club. She is also a regular participant on our annual cross-country tandem rides.

Chris Hunter

Countryside Activities Officer

Chris has recently graduated from Leeds University and has completed a traineeship with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. He helps run the Wild about Wetherby groups.

Alex Harrison

Countryside Activities Officer

Alex has been a regular volunteer with Open Country since 1999. He has now joined the staff team and leads the Weekday Walking Group. Prior to this, Alex ran his own parcel delivery service for over twenty years.